A political activist and lead advocate of The Handshake Movement, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, insisted that investigative journalism and unbiased reporting remain the panacea for bad governance in the polity.

Wala, in an open letter to Nigerian journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, argued that their powers lie in their ability to inform, to question, and to inspire change in society.

Wala, who recently joined the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), noted that it is essential for journalists to reclaim their independence and return to the core duties of investigative journalism and unbiased reporting.

“Break the silence and hold those in power accountable, regardless of their political or religious affiliation. The common people are counting on you. Do not let us down,” he said, while accusing the clergy and the political elite of being a two-headed monster, adding that their collaboration is destroying the fabric of Nigerian society.

He said it is the duty of journalists to expose this unholy alliance, to investigate the sources of their wealth and power, and to reveal the true cost of their “romance” on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He said: “It’s clear that the media’s sacred duty is under threat. We are witnessing a troubling romance between politicians and clergies, a public display of collaboration that goes largely unchallenged. This alliance often comes at the expense of the common people, the Third Estate, who are left to bear the brunt of their combined actions.

“When the media, the supposed watchdog, is either a silent bystander or, worse, an accomplice, the foundation of our democracy begins to crumble.

“The consequences of this betrayal are devastatingly real. Insecurity has become a daily reality, ravaging communities and leaving ordinary Nigerians in a state of constant fear.

“The absence of a strong media voice to pressure the government into action has allowed this crisis to fester. Instead of holding power to account, many media outlets have become platforms for political and religious leaders to spread propaganda and deflect from their failures.

“Journalism is a public service, not a mere profit-making venture. While we understand the economic realities you face, succumbing to commercial and political pressures turns a noble profession into a puppet show. When media outlets are owned and controlled by the very people they are meant to scrutinise, the watchdog becomes a pet, loyal only to its master. This is a betrayal of the trust the public places in you.”